Initiator systems and adhesive compositions made therewith

ABSTRACT

Initiator systems of the present invention include both a complexed initiator and a carboxylic acid decomplexer. For example, dicarboxylic acid decomplexer, carboxylic acid ester decomplexers, and monocarboxylic acid decomplexers (preferably those comprising an alkyl group having at least nine carbon atoms for low odor compositions) are useful in the present invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/700,933, filedNov. 21, 2000; now anandoned which was a national stage filing under 35USC 371 of PCT/US98/12296, filed Jun. 12, 1998, which InternationalApplication was published by the International Bureau in English on Dec.16, 1999, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to systems capable of initiatingpolymerization. More specifically, the invention relates to initiatorsystems comprising (1) a complexed initiator and (2) decomplexers. Theinvention further relates to the use of these systems for initiatingpolymerization, as well as kits, bonding compositions, and polymerizedcompositions made therewith, coated substrates prepared therefrom,bonded articles prepared therefrom, and methods of preparing such bondedarticles.

Systems for initiating the polymerization of monomers to make adhesivecompositions are known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,106,928, 5,286,821,and 5,310,835 to Skoultchi et al., for example, describe two-partinitiator systems for initiating the polymerization of acrylic monomers.The first part of these two-part systems includes a stable organoboraneamine complex and the second part includes an activator. The activatorliberates the organoborane compound by removing the amine group, therebyallowing the organoborane compound to initiate the polymerizationprocess. Activators are also sometimes referred to as liberators ordecomplexers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,821 to Skoultchi describes that suitable activatorsfor liberating the organoborane compound include aldehydes having thegeneral structure:

R—(CHO)_(x)

wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aryl grouphaving 6 to 10 carbon atoms and x is 1 to 2. Examples includebenzaldehyde; o-, m-, p-nitrobenzaldehyde; 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde;p-tolylaldehyde; and 3-methoxy-4 hydroxybenzaldehyde.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,310,835 and 5,106,928 describes that suitableactivators for liberating the organoborane compound also include organicacids having the structure:

R—COOH

wherein R is H, an alkyl group, or an alkenyl group having 1 to 8 carbonatoms. Examples include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, benzoic acid,and p-methoxybenzoic acid.

Fujisawa, Imai, and Mashuhara also describe a system for initiating thepolymerization of methyl methacrylate (See, Reports of the Institute forMedical and Dental Engineering, vol. 3, page 64 (1969)). The systemcomprises a trialkylborane amine complex and an activator such as thechloride of methacrylic or n-butane sulfonic acid, terephthalic acidchloride, benzoyl chloride, p-toluene sulfonic acid chloride, benzenesulfonic acid chloride, methane sulfonic acid chloride, toluenediisocyanate, adipic acid chloride, o-tolyl isocyanate, acetyl chloride,and acetic acid anhydride. The initiator system is reportedly useful inproviding fast curing resins for dental applications.

One disadvantage of some of the aforementioned activators, however, isthe relatively high odor of the activators and the composition in whichthey are used. Furthermore, another disadvantage of some of theseactivators is the relatively high level of mobile activator-aminereaction products (i.e., activator-amine constituents) in resultingadhesives. Typically, activators liberate the organoborane compound bybonding (either covalently or ionically) to the amine to form anactivator-amine constituent. Most activator-amine constituents remain inthe adhesive composition as mobile constituents that are notincorporated into the polymerized adhesive per se. In general, mobileconstituents in adhesive compositions may cause performance problemswhen, for example, they migrate to the surface of the adhesive therebydisrupting the bond interface. Mobile constituents are also susceptibleto attack by solvents, thereby making the adhesive composition lesssuitable for applications where exposure to solvents is unavoidable.

Recently, it has been disclosed that certain activators are useful forreducing the level of mobile constituents in adhesive compositionspolymerized therewith. For example, PCT Publication No. W097/07171discloses bireactive decomplexers preferably comprising at least onefree-radically polymerizable group and at least one amine-reactivegroup, preferably an isocyanate group, in the same molecule. Thebireactive decomplexers are capable of forming a covalent bond with bothacrylic monomers and the amine portion of the organoborane aminecomplex. Accordingly, the decomplexer is capable of covalently bondingto the liberated amine in the system and also reacting into the adhesiveper se.

PCT Publication No. WO97/17383 discloses decomplexers comprising atleast one anhydride group. Preferred anhydrides have one of thefollowing structures:

wherein R₁ and R₂ may independently be an aliphatic group; acycloaliphatic group; or an aromatic group. R₃ is a divalent organicradical that completes a cyclic structure with the anhydride group. Itis further preferred that the decomplexer comprises at least one freeradically polymerizable group that is capable of forming a covalent bondwith an acrylic monomer, such that the decomplexer-amine reactionproduct is capable of forming covalent bonds with acrylic monomer(s) andcan be incorporated into the polymerized adhesive per se.

Such previous systems, however, may experience instability when exposedto hydroxy-functional materials, such as water and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate. For example, such hydroxy-functional materials may reactwith the isocyanate and anhydride functional groups on the decomplexers,resulting in a reduced amount of decomplexer available for activatingthe initiator systems. Thus, a need exists for further initiator systemsthat provide improved adhesive compositions, while maintaining lowlevels of mobile constituents and improved solvent resistance. It isalso desirable to provide initiator systems that have relatively lowodor.

SUMMARY

Initiator systems of the present invention include both a complexedinitiator (e.g., organoborane amine complex) and a carboxylic aciddecomplexer. For example, dicarboxylic acid decomplexer, carboxylic acidester decomplexers, and monocarboxylic acid decomplexers (preferablythose comprising an alkyl group having at least nine carbon atoms forlow odor compositions) are useful in the present invention.

In one embodiment, an initiator system of the present invention,comprises:

a complexed initiator; and

a decomplexer having a structure represented by (I) or (II):

wherein:

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a monovalentorganic group, and a multivalent organic group;

R² is a multivalent organic group;

R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a monovalentorganic group;

R is a monovalent organic group comprising an alkyl group having atleast nine carbon atoms, preferably at least 15 carbon atoms;

m is an integer of 0-2; and

n is an integer greater than or equal to one.

In another embodiment, an initiator system of the present inventioncomprises:

a complexed initiator;

a carboxylic acid decomplexer; and

a second decomplexer.

This second decomplexer may be, for example, another carboxylic aciddecomplexer, or it may be, for example, an anhydride decomplexer.Particularly preferred anhydride decomplexers are methacrylic anhydride,succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and glutaric anhydride.

The decomplexers are useful in kits that comprise a polymerizablecomposition (which includes the decomplexer(s) and at least onepolymerizable monomer) and an initiator component (which includes thecomplexed initiator and an optional diluent) for polymerizing thepolymerizable composition. Such kits are useful for bonding low surfaceenergy substrates. For ease of application, the kits can furthercomprise a multi-part dispenser.

A method of initiating polymerization of at least one polymerizablemonomer comprises the steps of:

providing at least one monomer;

blending the at least one monomer with an initiator system of thepresent invention; and

initiating polymerization of the at least one monomer.

Once the parts of the kit are mixed together, bonding compositions areobtained. The compositions can be at least partially coated onto asubstrate, particularly low surface energy substrates.

Once polymerized, a polymerized composition is obtained. The polymerizedcomposition can be, for example, at least partially coated on asubstrate or can be used to adhere a first and second substrate togetherin a bonded article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention provides initiator systems capable of initiatingpolymerization. More specifically, the invention provides “initiatorsystems” comprising (1) a complexed initiator (e.g., an organoboraneamine complex) and (2) a carboxylic acid decomplexer. By utilizingcarboxylic acid functional groups on the decomplexers, as compared topreviously disclosed anhydride and isocyanate groups, decomplexers ofthe present invention are typically more stable when exposed tohydroxy-functional materials.

In one aspect of the invention, the initiator system is part of amulti-part kit. Such kits comprise at least a first part (i.e., apolymerizable composition) and a second part (i.e., an initiatorcomponent) for initiating polymerization of the polymerizablecomposition. Most preferably, for ease of use, the kits comprise onlytwo parts. The two parts of the kit may be readily combined in aconvenient, commercially useful, whole number mix ratio of 1:10 or less,more preferably 1:4, 1:3, 1:2 or 1:1, such that they can be easily usedwith multi-part dispensers. Such dispensers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,538,920 and 5,082,147 and are available from ConProTec, Inc. (Salem,N.H.) under the trade designation, MIXPAC. The parts of the kit can bereadily mixed to form bonding compositions, which readily polymerize topolymers, for example, adhesives.

The “polymerizable composition” typically comprises at least onedecomplexer and at least one polymerizable monomer. As describedpreviously, at least one decomplexer is a carboxylic acid decomplexer.Most preferably, the decomplexer is a relatively low odor decomplexer.

“Low odor decomplexers” are those that have at least less odor thanmethyl methacrylate. Odor can be quantitatively measured using knownmethods, such as, for example, ASTM D4339-95, “Standard Test Method forDetermination of the Odor of Adhesives.”

The “initiator component” typically comprises at least one complexedinitiator (e.g., organoborane amine complex) and an optional diluent.When mixed with the polymerizable composition, the decomplexer in thepolymerizable composition liberates the initiator (e.g., organoborane)from the complexer (e.g., amine), enabling polymerization of the monomerto be initiated.

“Bonding compositions” are those compositions resulting from mixing ofthe polymerizable composition and the initiator component. The bondingcompositions are useful for bonding a wide variety of substrates,including polymers, wood, ceramics, concrete, and metals. The bondingcompositions are especially useful for bonding low-surface energysubstrates.

“Low surface energy substrates” are those that have a surface energy ofless than 45 mJ/m², more typically less than 40 mJ/m² or less than 35mJ/m². Included among such materials are polyethylene, polypropylene,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and polyamide. Other polymers ofsomewhat higher surface energy that may be usefully bonded with thecompositions of the invention include polycarbonate andpolymethylmethacrylate. However, the invention is not so limited; thecompositions may be used to bond any thermoplastic, as well as wood,ceramics, concrete, primed metals, and the like.

“Polymerized compositions” (also referred to as polymers) are thosebonding compositions where substantially all of the monomers in thepolymerizable composition are polymerized except for a typicallyunpolymerized amount as recognizable to one of ordinary skill in theart. Polymerized compositions according to the invention may be used ina wide variety of ways, including as adhesives, bonding materials,sealants, coatings, and injection molding resins. They may also be usedas matrix resins in conjunction with glass, carbon, and metal fibermats, such as those used in resin transfer molding operations. They mayfurther be used as encapsulants and potting compounds, such as in themanufacture of electrical components, printed circuit boards, and thelike.

Decomplexer

The term “decomplexer” means a compound capable of liberating theinitiator (e.g., organoborane) from its complexer (e.g., amine), therebyenabling initiation of the polymerization process. Decomplexers are alsosometimes referred to as “activators” or “liberators.” As used herein,each of these terms has the same meaning.

In the present invention, the decomplexer has a carboxylic acid groupthat is capable of forming an ionic bond with the amine portion of theorganoborane amine complex to liberate the organoborane compound.Hereinafter, such decomplexers will be referred to as carboxylic aciddecomplexers. Examples of such carboxylic acid decomplexers includedicarboxylic acid decomplexers, carboxylic acid ester decomplexers, andmonocarboxylic acid decomplexers (preferably those comprising a alkylgroup having at least nine carbon atoms for low odor compositions).

Carboxylic acid decomplexers of the present invention preferably havethe following general structure (I) or are a monocarboxylic aciddecomplexer of structure (II):

wherein:

R¹ is hydrogen, a monovalent organic group (preferably having about 18atoms or fewer, more preferably about 8 atoms or fewer, excludinghydrogen), or a multivalent organic group (preferably having about 30atoms or fewer, more preferably about 10 atoms or fewer, excludinghydrogen);

R² is a multivalent organic group (preferably having about 8 atoms orfewer, more preferably about 4 atoms or fewer, excluding hydrogen);

R³ is hydrogen or a monovalent organic group (preferably having about 18atoms or fewer, more preferably about 8 atoms or fewer, excludinghydrogen);

R is H or a monovalent organic group (preferably, for relatively lowodor decomplexers, R is an alkyl group having at least 9 carbon atoms,more preferably at least about 11 carbon atoms, and most preferably atleast 15 carbon atoms—at these levels, low odor compositions may beobtained);

m is an integer of 0-2; and

n is an integer greater than or equal to one, preferably 1-4, morepreferably 1-2.

In general, advantageously, the decomplexers of structure (I) and thepreferred decomplexers of structure (II) are low odor.

More preferably, m is 0 and carboxylic acid decomplexers of structure(I) are represented by the following general structure (III):

wherein R¹, R², and n are as defined previously.

The terms “monovalent organic group” and “multivalent organic group”mean an organic moiety wherein the available valencies are on carbonatoms. Monovalent organic groups have one available valency.Accordingly, multivalent organic groups have more than one availablevalency.

The “organic groups” can be aliphatic groups or cyclic groups. In thecontext of the present invention, the term “aliphatic group” means asaturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon group. Thisterm is used to encompass alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, alkyl,alkenyl, and alkynyl groups, for example. The term “alkyl group” means amonovalent, saturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon group (e.g., amethyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, heptyl, dodecyl, octadecyl, amyl, or2-ethylhexyl group, and the like). The term “alkylene” means amultivalent, saturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon group. The term“alkenyl group” means a monovalent, unsaturated, linear or branched,hydrocarbon group with one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (e.g., avinyl group). The term “alkenylene” means a multivalent, unsaturated,linear or branched, hydrocarbon group with one or more carbon-carbondouble bonds. The term “alkynyl group” means a monovalent, unsaturated,linear or branched, hydrocarbon group with one or more carbon-carbontriple bonds. The term “alkynylene” means a multivalent, linear orbranched, hydrocarbon group with one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds.

The term “cyclic group” means a closed ring hydrocarbon group that isclassified as an alicyclic group, aromatic group, or heterocyclic group.The term “alicyclic group” means a cyclic hydrocarbon group havingproperties resembling those of aliphatic groups. The term “aromaticgroup” or “aryl group” means a mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbon group orpolynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Organic groups or organic linking groups, as used herein, can includeheteroatoms (e.g., O, N, or S atoms), such as in the case ofheterocyclic groups, as well as functional groups (e.g., carbonylgroups).

Decomplexers of structures (I and III) are preferred due to theirgenerally higher solubility in other components of the polymerizablecomposition. For structure (I), when, R¹ is an aliphatic group, n isone, and m is zero, the decomplexers are ester acids (i.e., carboxylicacid ester decomplexers). Examples of useful ester acids include:1,2-ethylene bismaleate, 1,2-propylene bismaleate, 2,2′-diethyleneglycolbismaleate, 2,2′-dipropyleneglycol bismaleate, and trimethylolpropanetrismaleate.

When, R¹ is hydrogen, m is zero, and n is one, the decomplexers arediacids (i.e., dicarboxylic acid decomplexers). Examples of usefuldiacids include: oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaricacid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, isophthalicacid and terephthalic acid. Glutaric acid, fumaric acid, and maleic acidare most preferred.

When both R¹ and R³ are hydrogen and both m and n are one, thedecomplexers are triacids (i.e., tricarboxylic acid decomplexers). Anexample of a useful triacid is trimellitic acid.

Initiator systems and polymerizable compositions of the invention caninclude more than one type of decomplexer. For example, the initiatorsystems and polymerizable compositions can comprise more than one of theabove-described decomplexers and/or other decomplexers, such as thosecomprising at least one anhydride group described in PCT Publication No.WO97/17383, which is incorporated herein by reference. Of thosedecomplexers described in PCT Publication No. WO97/17383, particularlyuseful anhydrides include methacrylic anhydride, succinic anhydride,maleic anhydride, and glutaric anhydride. Preferably, such anhydridedecomplexers further comprise at least one free radically polymerizablegroup that is capable of forming a covalent bond with the monomer(s).Preferably, however, the carboxylic acid decomplexer comprises at leastabout 50 weight % of the decomplexers used in the present invention.Most preferably, the carboxylic acid decomplexer comprises at leastabout 80 weight % of the decomplexers used in the present invention.

When the initiator system includes an organoborane amine complex, thedecomplexer liberates organoborane from its amine complex by reactingwith the amine, thereby removing the organoborane from chemicalattachment with the amine. Accordingly, the decomplexer is employed inan effective amount (i.e., an amount effective to promote polymerizationby liberating organoborane from its amine complex, but withoutmaterially adversely affecting the properties of the ultimatepolymerized composition).

As recognizable to one of ordinary skill in the art, larger amounts ofdecomplexer may permit polymerization to proceed too quickly and, in thecase of adhesives, the resulting materials may demonstrate inadequateadhesion to low energy surfaces. However, if not enough decomplexer isused, the rate of polymerization may be too slow and the resultingpolymers may not be of adequate molecular weight for certainapplications. However, a reduced amount of decomplexer may be helpful inslowing the rate of polymerization if it is otherwise too fast. Thus,within these parameters, the decomplexer is typically provided in anamount such that the ratio of amine-reactive groups in thedecomplexer(s) (e.g., acid groups or anhydride groups) to amine groupsis in the range of 0.5:1.0 to 3.0:1.0. For better performance, e.g.,overlap shear adhesion, after bonding with open times of about fiveminutes, preferably the ratio of amine-reactive groups in thedecomplexer(s) to amine groups is in the range of 0.5:1.0 to 1.0:1.0. Itshould be noted that the number of amine groups includes both primaryand secondary amine groups when the amine is a polyamine.

Complexed Initiator

In general, preferred complexed initiators of the invention arecomplexes of organoborane and amine, wherein the organoborane is theinitiator. Any known complexed initiator, or combinations thereof, maybe used, however, as long as the complexing agent (e.g., the amine) isreactive with the decomplexer.

A “complex” is readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art tobe a tightly coordinated salt formed by association of a Lewis acid(e.g., organoborane) and a Lewis base (e.g., amine). Such complexes maybe represented by the following general structure (IV):

wherein R⁴ is an alkyl group having 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; R⁵ andR⁶ are independently selected from alkyl groups having 1 to about 10carbon atoms and phenyl-containing groups; and Am represents an amine.Preferably, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from alkyl groupshaving 1 to about 5 carbon atoms. Most preferably, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are thesame.

The value of v is selected so as to provide an effective ratio ofprimary or secondary amine nitrogen atoms to boron atoms in the complex.The ratio of primary or secondary amine nitrogen atoms to boron atoms inthe complex should broadly be about 0.5:1 to 4:1, preferably about 1:1.

The amine, Am, may comprise a variety of structures, for example, anyprimary or secondary amine, polyamine containing a primary or secondaryamine, or ammonia. When solvent resistance in the ultimate polymerizedacrylic composition is desired, however, Am preferably comprises apolyamine.

Specific initiators include trimethylborane, triethylborane,tri-n-propylborane, triisopropylborane, tri-n-butylborane,triisobutylborane, and tri-sec-butylborane. Specific amines includeammonia, n-butylamine, ethylenediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, diethylamine,diethylenetriamine, and α,ω-diaminopolypropyleneoxide.

Organoborane amine complexes may be readily prepared using knowntechniques. Typically, the amine is combined with the organoborane in aninert atmosphere with slow stirring. An exotherm is often observed andcooling of the mixture is therefore recommended. If the ingredients havea high vapor pressure, it is desirable to keep the reaction temperaturebelow about 70° C. to 80° C. Once the materials have been well mixed,the complex is permitted to cool to room temperature (i.e., about 22° C.to about 25° C.). No special storage conditions are required although itis preferred that the complex be kept in a capped vessel in a cool, darklocation. Advantageously, the complexes can be prepared in the absenceof organic solvents that would later have to be removed, although theycould be prepared in solvent if so desired. Solvents used in thepreparation of the complexes should, preferably be ones that do notcoordinate amines, for example, tetrahydofuran or hexane.

The organoborane amine complex is employed in an effective amount, whichis an amount large enough to permit polymerization to readily occur toobtain a polymer (preferably, an acrylic polymer). Typically, aneffective amount of the organoborane amine complex is an amount thatprovides about 0.01 weight % boron to about 1.5 weight % boron, morepreferably about 0.01 weight % boron to about 0.60 weight % boron, mostpreferably about 0.02 weight % boron to about 0.50 weight % boron, basedon the total weight of the bonding composition, less the weight offillers, non-reactive diluents, and other non-reactive components.

Diluent

The initiator component may also contain any suitable diluent, orcombination thereof, such as an aziridine-functional material. Forexample, such diluents are described in PCT Publication No. WO 98/17694.Quite advantageously, when used, the organoborane amine complex iscarried by (e.g., dissolved in or diluted by) an aziridine-functionalmaterial or a blend of two or more different aziridine-functionalmaterials in the initiator component. Generally, theaziridine-functional material should not be reactive toward the complexand functions as an extender for the complex. Also advantageously, theaziridine-functional material may generally increase the spontaneouscombustion temperature of the initiator component.

An “aziridine-functional material” refers to an organic compound havingat least one aziridine ring or group,

the carbon atom(s) of which may optionally be substituted by short chainalkyl groups (e.g., groups having 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, preferablymethyl, ethyl or propyl), so as to form, for example, methyl, ethyl orpropyl aziridine moieties.

Examples of useful, commercially available polyaziridines include thoseavailable under the following trade designations: CROSSLINKER CX-100(from Zeneca Resins; Wilmington, Mass.), XAMA-2 (from EIT, Inc.; LakeWylie, S.C.); XAMA-7 (from EIT, Inc.; Lake Wylie, S.C.), and MAPO (tris[1-(2-methyl) aziridinyl] phosphine oxide (from Aceto ChemicalCorporation; Flushing, N.Y.).

The aziridine-functional material should be generally soluble inmonomers included in the polymerizable composition, such that the partsof the kit can be readily mixed. By “soluble” is meant that no evidenceof gross phase separation at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C. toabout 25° C.) is visible to the unaided eye. Similarly, the organoboraneamine complex should also be soluble in the aziridine-functionalmaterial, although slightly warming a mixture of the complex and theaziridine-functional material may be helpful in forming a solution ofthe two at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25° C.).Accordingly, preferably, if used, the aziridine-functional material is aliquid at or near room temperature (i.e., within about 10° C. of roomtemperature) or forms a liquid solution with the organoborane aminecomplex at or near room temperature.

The aziridine-functional material is used in an effective amount.Generally, this is an amount of not more than about 50 weight %,preferably not more than about 25 weight %, more preferably not morethan about 10 weight %, based on the total weight of the bondingcomposition.

Monomers

As stated previously, the initiator system of the invention can be usedto initiate the polymerization of any suitable monomer(s). Broadly, thepolymerizable composition includes at least one ethylenicallyunsaturated monomer capable of free radical polymerization. Numerouscompounds containing ethylenic unsaturation can be used in thepolymerizable composition. Preferably, the composition includes at leastone (meth)acrylic monomer, most preferably a methacrylic monomer.Particularly preferred are (meth)acrylic acid derivatives, such as thoseincluding esters and/or acid amides. Suitable are, for example, the(meth)acrylic esters of monohydric alcohols, particularly alkanolshaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, and ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate; the(meth)acrylic acid esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as ethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and trimethylol propane;the di- and mono(meth)acrylic acid esters of glycerin; thedi(meth)acrylic acid esters of triethylene glycol and tetraethyleneglycol; the di(meth)acrylic acid esters of dipropylene glycol,tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol and pentapropylene glycol;and the di(meth)acrylic esters of ethoxylated or propoxylateddiphenylolpropane.

Basically suitable are also polymerizable monomers, such as vinylacetate; vinyl halides, such as vinyl chloride, vinyl fluoride, vinylbromide; styrene; and divinyl-benzene. These compounds, however, aregenerally used only in subordinate amounts in the polymerizablecompositions.

Further suitable are acid amides, such as: acrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N-methyl methacrylamide, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide,N,N-dimethyl methacrylamide, N-ethyl methacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N,N-diethyl methacrylamide, N-isopropyl acrylamide, N-butylacrylamide, N-butyl methacrylamide, N-t-butyl acrylamide, N,N-dibutylmethacrylamide, N-phenyl acrylamide, N-(acryloyl)morpholine,N-(acryloyl)piperidine, N-(methacryloyl)piperidine,N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)-acrylamide, N-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylacrylamide, dimethylene-bis-(meth)acrylamide,tetramethylene-bis-(meth)acrylamide,trimethylhexamethylene-bis-(meth)acrylamide,tri(meth)acryloyldiethylenetriamine and similar compounds.

In general, the emphasis is on monomers with one or two olefinic doublebonds in the molecule, preferably one olefinic double bond. Theadditional use of higher unsaturated components is not excluded, but itmust be kept in mind that their presence can lead to embrittling of thepolymerized compositions.

Additives

Bonding compositions of the present invention may also comprise furtheroptional additives. Generally, such additives are present in thepolymerizable composition of the kit. Thus, the polymerizablecomposition may further comprise a variety of optional additives.

One particularly useful additive is a thickener, such as medium (about40,000) molecular weight polybutyl methacrylate that may generally beincorporated in an amount of up to about 50 weight %, based on the totalweight of the polymerizable composition. Thickeners may be employed toincrease the viscosity of the resulting bonding composition to a moreeasily applied viscous syrup-like consistency.

Another particularly useful additive is an elastomeric material. Thesematerials can improve the fracture toughness of bonding compositionsmade therewith, which can be beneficial when, for example, bondingstiff, high yield strength materials (e.g., metal substrates that do notmechanically absorb energy as easily as other materials, such asflexible polymeric substrates). Such additives can generally beincorporated in an amount of up to about 50% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the polymerizable composition.

Core-shell polymers can also be added to the polymerizable compositionto modify spreading and flow properties of the bonding composition.These enhanced properties may be manifested by a reduced tendency forthe bonding composition to leave an undesirable “string” upon dispensingfrom a syringe-type applicator, or sag or slump after having beenapplied to a vertical surface. Accordingly, use of more than about 20%by weight, based on total weight of the polymerizable composition, of acore-shell polymer additive may be desirable for achieving improvedsag-slump resistance.

Small amounts of inhibitors, such as hydroquinone monomethyl ether maybe used in the polymerizable compositions, for example, to prevent orreduce degradation of the monomers during storage. Inhibitors may beadded in an amount that does not materially reduce the rate ofpolymerization or the ultimate properties of polymers made therewith.Accordingly, inhibitors are generally useful in amounts of about100-10,000 ppm based on the total weight of the monomers in thepolymerizable composition.

Other possible additives include non-reactive colorants, fillers (e.g.,carbon black, hollow glass/ceramic beads, silica, titanium dioxide,solid glass/ceramic spheres, and chalk), and the like. The variousoptional additives are employed in any amount, but generally amountsthat do not significantly adversely affect the polymerization process orthe desired properties of polymers made therewith.

Bonding Compositions

The parts of the kits (i.e., the polymerizable composition and theinitiator component) are blended as would normally be done when workingwith such materials. The initiator component is added to thepolymerizable composition shortly before it is desired to use thebonding composition.

Once the parts of the kit have been combined to form a bondingcomposition, the composition should be used quickly, as the useful potlife may be short depending upon the monomers, the amount of theinitiator component, the temperature at which the bonding is to beperformed, the presence or absence of crosslinking agents, and whether adiluent is used. Preferably, to improve bonding, it is desirable to keepthe temperature below about 40° C., preferably below 30° C., and mostpreferably below about 25° C. Accordingly, the bonding process can becarried out at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25° C.).

The bonding composition is applied to one or both substrates to bebonded and then the substrates are joined together with pressure toforce excess bonding composition out of the bond line. This also has theadvantage of displacing bonding composition that has been exposed to airand that may have begun to oxidize. In general, the bonds should be madeshortly after the bonding composition has been applied to thesubstrate(s), preferably within about 10 minutes. The typical bond linethickness is about 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters.

The bonds may cure (i.e., polymerize) to a reasonable green strength,i.e., to permit handling of such bonded articles within about 2-3 hours.Full bond strength will generally be reached in about 24 hours underambient conditions. However, post-curing with heat may be used, ifdesired.

In one preferred embodiment, the bonding compositions are coated on alow surface energy substrate. In another preferred embodiment, bondedarticles comprise a first substrate and a second substrate (preferablyat least one of which is a low surface energy polymeric material)adhesively bonded together by a layer of a bonding composition accordingto the invention.

The invention will be more fully appreciated with reference to thefollowing nonlimiting examples. These examples are merely forillustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting on the scopeof the appended claims. All parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in theexamples and the rest of the specification are by weight unlessindicated otherwise.

EXAMPLES

Overlap Shear Bond Strength Test Method

Each bonding composition was applied directly onto an untreated 2.5cm×10 cm×0.3 cm (1 inch×4 inch×0.125 inch) test panel (for Examples1-64, 0.2 millimeter (8 mil)-diameter glass bead spacers were added tothe bonding composition, except as otherwise indicated) and a baresecond test panel was either immediately (or after 5 minutes elapsedtime, as noted in select examples) placed against the bondingcomposition on the first test panel so that the overlapped area was 1.3cm×2.5 cm (0.5 inch×1 inch). A clamp was applied to the overlapped areafor Examples 1-64. A 454-gram weight was applied to the overlapped areafor Examples 65-78. The test panels were either high-densitypolyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), both commercially availablefrom Cadillac Plastic; Minneapolis, Minn. A small amount of bondingcomposition squeezed out of the overlapped area and was allowed toremain.

The bonds were allowed to cure for at least 48 hours at 22° C., forExamples 1-64 or for 24 hours at 22° C. for Examples 65-78. Theclamps/weights were then removed, and the overlap bonds were tested inshear (OLS) on a tensile tester at a crosshead speed of 1.27 cm/minute(0.5 inch/minute). The overlap shear values were recorded in pounds andconverted into pounds per square inch (psi) and megapascals (MPa).

Peel Bond Strength Test Method

Each formulation was tested on two different polyolefin film substrates:0.8 mm (30 mil)-thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE), commerciallyavailable from Cadillac Plastics; Minneapolis, Minn., and 0.4 mm (15mil)-thick skived ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW),commercially available from DeWal Industries; Saunderstown, R.I. Neitherof the films had any surface treatment.

The polymerizable composition was combined with the initiator component(comprising a mixture of thickened organoborane amine complex dissolvedin the aziridine-functional diluent) and mixed with a spatula for oneminute to obtain a bonding composition. The bonding composition was thenapplied to a 5.1 cm (2 inch)-wide, 15.2 cm (6 inch)-long section of thepolyolefin film.

Once the bonding composition was applied to the first film, a secondfilm comprising the same substrate was eased onto the bondingcomposition using a 1.2 kg (2.7 lb) weighted glass plate. One side ofthe glass plate was applied to one side of the second film at an angleof about 30 degrees and then gradually lowered to a horizontal positionso that the second film was applied incrementally to the first to avoidformation of bubbles in the bonding composition. Sufficient bondingcomposition was applied to the first film to provide minimum bonddimensions of 2.5 cm (1 inch) in width by 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) in length.

The bonded adherends were allowed to cure for 24 hours at roomtemperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25° C.) such that the bondingcomposition cured to an adhesive. The samples were then tested for bondstrength in the T-peel mode using a tensile tester set at a crossheadspeed of 10.2 cm/min (4 inches/min). Two overlapping free ends of thesample were clamped into the jaws of the tensile tester, one free end inthe upper jaw and one free end in the lower jaw. The jaws were thenpulled apart until at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) of adhesive was exposed oruntil adherend failure was observed. The average force per width duringthe run after the adhesive was initially exposed was recorded as thepeel strength in pounds/inch width (piw) and converted to Newtons/cm(N/cm).

The tensile strengths of the UHMW and HDPE films were found to be 44N/cm width (25 pound/inch width) and 189 N/cm width (108 pounds/inchwidth), respectively. Preferably, the peel strength values of theadhesives approximated these tensile strength values. If so, this was anindication of substrate, as opposed to adhesive, failure.

Solvent Resistance

After peel and shear test specimens were prepared, the mixing vial withthe remaining bonding composition in it was weighed and this weight wasdenoted as W1. The vial was capped and the bonding composition wasallowed to cure for 24 hours at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C. toabout 25° C.). The vial was then filled with tetrahydrofuran (THF)solvent and allowed to stand for several days at room temperature (i.e.,about 22° C. to about 25° C.) until the contents looked thoroughlyswollen. The swollen mass was subsequently transferred to a 118milliliter (4 ounce) glass jar and broken up into small chunks with aspatula. The dry glass vial was weighed and this weight was denoted asW2.

Sufficient THF then was added to the glass jar so that the contentscomprised less than 5 parts by weight cured adhesive and more than 95parts by weight THF. The jar was capped and placed on a roll mixer forat least 3 days at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25°C.). The fluid mixture was then poured into a conical gauze/paper paintfilter having a weight denoted below as W3 and thoroughly rinsed withTHF. The filter was dried at 71° C. (160° F.) in a forced air oven for20 hours.

Then, the filter was allowed to equilibrate for 6 hours at roomtemperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25° C.) before being weighed togive the value denoted below as W4.

Percent of insoluble adhesive solids was then calculated for each sampleas follows:${{Percent}\quad {Insoluble}\quad {Solids}} = {\frac{{W4} - {W3} + 0.0089}{{W1} - {W2}} \times 100}$

It is noted that a correction factor of 89 milligrams was added to W4−W3in the equation above to account for that portion of the filter that waslost by virtue of the process conditions. A larger percent insolublesolids is generally indicative of better solvent resistance.

Decomplexers

The following Tables IA-IB illustrate the monocarboxylic anddicarboxylic acid decomplexers utilized in the following examples, alongwith their equivalent weight and source. Similarly, Table II illustratesthe carboxylic acid ester decomplexers. Similarly, Table III illustratesanhydride decomplexers utilized in addition to the carboxylic aciddecomplexers in the following examples.

TABLE IA Monocarboxylic Acid Decomplexers Acid Equiv. Wt. SourceCity/State Acrylic 72 Aldrich Chemical Co. Milwaukee, WI Methacrylic 86Aldrich Chemical Co. Milwaukee, WI Undecanoic 186 Aldrich Chemical Co.Milwaukee, WI

TABLE IB Dicarboxylic Acid Decomplexers Acid Equiv. Wt. SourceCity/State Malonic 52 Aldrich Chemical Co. Milwaukee, WI Glutaric 66Aldrich Chemical Co. Milwaukee, WI Maleic 58 Aldrich Chemical Co.Milwaukee, WI

TABLE II Carboxylic Acid Ester Decomplexers Source; Acid/Trade Equiv.City, Designation Wt. State Adduct 2-ethylhexyl 228 Dajac; EthylHexanol/Maleic maleate Southampton, Anhydride PA D-1062 214 Rohm Tech(now Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Hüls); Somerset, Maleic Anhydride NJ A-SA219 Shin-Nakamura; Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Wakayama City, SuccinicAnhydride Japan SA 232 Shin-Nakamura; Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/Wakayama City, Succinic Anhydride Japan AS-M4 250 Shin-Nakamura;Hydroxybutyl Acrylate/ Wakayama City, Succinic Anhydride Japan CB-1 285Shin-Nakamura; Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/ Wakayama City, PhthalicAnhydride Japan AS-CL1 331 Shin-Nakamura; Caprolactone Acrylate*/Wakayama City, Succinic Anhydride Japan S-CL1 361 Shin-Nakamura;Caprolactone Methacrylate*/ Wakayama City, Succinic Anhydride Japan FM1A324 Daicel (USA); Caprolactone Methacrylate*/ Fort Lee, NJ SuccinicAnhydride AS-CL2 446 Shin-Nakamura; Dicaprolactone Acrylate**/ WakayamaCity, Succinic Anhydride Japan S-CL2 445 Shin-Nakamura; DicaprolactoneWakayama City, Methacrylate**/Succinic Japan Anhydride XM-300 492 UnionCarbide; Dicaprolactone Acrylate**/ Bound Brook, Phthalic Anhydride NJ*adduct of hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate with one mole of caprolactone**adduct of hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate with 2 moles of caprolactone

TABLE III Type Equiv. Wt. Source Succinic 50 Aldrich Chemical AnhydrideCo.; Milwaukee, WI

Examples 1-6

Decomplexer

A dicarboxylic acid was used as the decomplexer, as indicated in TableIV.

Initiator Component

A 2:1 mole ratio of triethylborane:hexamethylenediamine complex(TEB-HMDA) in the amount of 1.52 grams was dissolved in 3.48 gramstrimethylolpropane tris(3-(2-methylaziridino))propionate, commerciallyavailable under the trade designation CROSSLINKER CX-100 from ZenecaResins; Wilmington, Mass. (hereinafter referred to as “CX-100”).

Polymerizable Composition

In each case, a slurry containing 10.00 grams core-shell toughener,commercially available from GE Specialty Chemicals; Parkersburg, W. Va.under the trade designation BLENDEX 360, and a solution of thedecomplexer in tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (THFMA), commerciallyavailable from Aldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee, Wis., was allowed tostand at 70° C. for 3 hours. The resultant opaque dispersion was allowedto cool and then sheared aggressively with a saw-toothed blade of alaboratory dispersator, commercially available from Premier MillCorporation; Reading, Pa. Then, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA),commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee, Wis., wasadded to the warm dispersion and mixed well.

TABLE IV Weight Decomplexer, Weight Weight grams THFMA, EHMA, ExampleDecomplexer (milliequiv) grams grams 1 malonic acid 1.63 (31.4) 28.789.59 2 glutaric acid 2.07 (31.4) 28.45 9.48 3 maleic acid 1.82 (31.4)28.64 9.54 4 malonic acid 0.82 (15.7) 29.39 9.79 5 glutaric acid 1.04(15.7) 29.22 9.74 6 maleic acid 0.91 (15.7) 29.32 9.77

Adhesive

In each example, the polymerizable composition and initiator componentwere packaged in a 10:1 volume ratio dual syringe applicator, Kit No.MP-050-10-09, commercially available from ConProTec; Salem, N.H., underthe trade designation MIXPAC SYSTEM 50, the larger cylinder holding thepolymerizable composition and the smaller cylinder holding the initiatorcomponent.

The two parts were combined by simultaneous extrusion through a 10 cm (4inch) long, 17-static mix nozzle, Part No. MX 4-0-17-5, commerciallyavailable from ConProTec Salem, N.H. Overlap shear specimens wereprepared and tested according to the Overlap Shear Bond Strength TestMethod outlined above. Overlap shear values are given in Table V belowand represent the average value of three replicates.

TABLE V OLS, PP OLS, HDPE OLS, HDPE (immediate (immediate (bonded after5 bond), MPa bond), MPa minutes), MPa Example (psi) (psi) (psi) 1 4.52(656) 6.03 (875) 0.785 (114) 2 7.45 (1,082) 6.65 (966) 2.82 (410) 3 7.41(1,075) 5.82 (845) 1.74 (253) 4 4.22 (613) 6.10 (886) 4.39 (637) 5 6.33(919) 6.04 (876) 5.98 (869) 6 7.56 (1,097) 6.41 (930) 5.77 (837)

These Examples demonstrate the excellent bond performance on HDPE and PPfor adhesives comprising dibasic carboxylic acid decomplexers.

Examples 7-15

Polymerizable compositions and initiator components were prepared usingthe materials of Example 2, except that the amounts of the componentswere varied.

TABLE VI Weight Weight Weight OLS, OLS, TEB- CX- Glutaric Weight WeightHDPE PP HMDA, 100, Acid, grams THFMA, EHMA, MPa MPa Example grams grams(milliequiv) grams grams (psi) (psi) 7 0.12 4.88 1.04 29.22 9.74 0.480.10 (15.7) (7) (15) 8 0.12 4.88 2.07 28.45 9.48 4.97 1.89 (31.4) (721)(274) 9 0.12 4.88 3.11 27.67 9.22 5.26 4.58 (47.1) (763) (665) 10 0.504.50 1.04 29.22 9.74 3.34 3.94 (15.7) (485) (572) 11 0.50 4.50 2.0728.45 9.48 5.33 6.39 (31.4) (774) (928) 12 0.50 4.50 3.11 27.67 9.225.32 5.67 (47.1) (772) (823) 13 1.50 3.50 1.04 29.22 9.74 5.33 7.39(15.7) (774) (1,073) 14 1.50 3.50 2.07 28.45 9.48 5.32 6.22 (31.4) (772)(903) 15 1.50 3.50 3.11 27.67 9.22 5.04 6.52 (47.1) (731) (946)

These Examples demonstrate the excellent bond performance on HDPE andPP.

Examples 16-19

Decomplexer

A carboxylic acid ester (Ex. 16-17) and/or dicarboxylic acid (Ex. 18-19)was used as the decomplexer. The carboxylic acid ester was prepared asfollows:

Preparation of 1,2-ethylene Bismaleate Decomplexing Agent

First, 15.50 grams (0.25 mol) ethylene glycol (commercially availablefrom J T Baker; Phillipsburg, N.J.), 49.00 grams (0.50 mol) maleicanhydride (commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee,Wis.), and 0.04 gram benzyltriethylammonium bromide (commerciallyavailable from Aldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee, Wis.) were combined withstirring under nitrogen and heated to form a clear, colorless solution.The solution was held at 70° C. for 22 hours, then allowed to cool atroom temperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25° C.) The product, asdetermined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, contained86 mol % 1,2-ethylene bismaleate, 12 mol % 2-hydroxyethyl maleate, and 2mol % residual ethylene glycol. This product is hereinafter referred toas “bismaleate.”

Initiator Component

To prepare the component, 0.50 gram titanium dioxide, commerciallyavailable under the trade designation TIPURE R960 from E.I. DuPont deNemours; Wilmington, Del., was dispersed in a solution containing 20.00grams (128 milliequivalents amine) TEB-HMDA, 25.00 grams (152milliequivalents aziridine) CX-100, and 55.00 grams polyester adipate,commercially available under the trade designation PARAPLEX G40 fromC.P. Hall; Chicago, Ill.

Polymerizable Composition

A dispersion containing 177.10 grams BLENDEX 360 and 38.50 grams of asolution of poly(methyl methacrylate), commercially available under thetrade designation ELVACITE 2010 from ICI Acrylics; Wilmington, Del.,411.35 grams THFMA, and 137.11 grams EHMA was heated for four hours at70° C., sheared aggressively with a saw-toothed blade, then gentlycombined with 38.50 grams ceramic microspheres, commercially availableunder the trade designation of Z-LIGHT W-1600, 100-350 μm diameter, fromZeelan Industries Inc.; St. Paul, Minn. This polymerizable compositionwas divided and combined with the various decomplexers listed in TableVII below. Each mixture was heated with stirring for 5 hours at 70° C.to ensure homogeneity.

TABLE VII Weight Weight Decomplexer, Polymerizable grams Composition,Example Decomplexer (milliequiv) grams 16 Bismaleate 0.91 (7.0) 49.09 17Bismaleate 1.81 (14.0) 48.19 18 Glutaric acid 0.46 (7.0) 49.54 19Glutaric acid 0.93 (14.0) 49.07

Adhesive

In each Example, the polymerizable composition and initiator componentwere combined and tested as in Examples 1-6, except that glass beadswere omitted from the wet adhesive during bond preparation.

TABLE VIII OLS, PP OLS, HDPE OLS, HDPE (immediate (immediate (bondedafter 5 bond), MPa bond), MPa minutes), MPa Example (psi) (psi) (psi) 165.62 (816) 5.27 (765) 3.44 (500) 17 6.59 (956) 2.00 (290) 0.30 (43) 185.35 (776) 5.09 (739) 4.47 (649) 19 4.65 (675) 5.43 (788) 1.08 (157)

Example 20

Decomplexer

In this Example, D-1062 decomplexer was used.

Initiator Component

The initiator component of Example 1 was used.

Polymerizable Composition

A slurry containing 10.00 grams BLENDEX 360 and 24.95 grams THFMA stoodat 65° C. for 17 hours. The resultant opaque dispersion was allowed tocool and sheared aggressively with a saw-toothed blade. Then, 8.32 gramsEHMA and 6.73 grams (31.4 millimol) D-1062 were added to the dispersionand mixed well.

Adhesive

The polymerizable composition and the initiator component were packagedand then tested after immediate bonding as in Example 1.

TABLE IX OLS, MPa Substrate (psi) HDPE 6.34 (920) PP 7.84 (1,137)

Examples 21-30

Adhesives were prepared and tested as in Example 1, but using variousmonomers in place of the THFMA/EHMA blend. The monomers used, and theiramounts are given in Table X.

TABLE X Ex. 21 Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Ex. 27 Ex. 28 Ex. 29Ex.30 Weight isooctyl acrylate (IOA), —  8.32 — — — — — — — — gramsWeight isobornyl acrylate (IBnA),  8.32 — — — — — — — — — grams WeightTHFMA, grams 24.95 24.95 — — — — — — — — Weight methyl methacrylate(MMA), — — 24.95  8.32 12.48 16.63 16.64 22.62  8.31 14.97 grams Weightn-butyl acrylate (nBA), grams — —  4.16 —  4.16  8.32 16.64 10.65 13.31 8.32 Weight t-butyl acrylate (tBA), grams — —  4.16 24.95 16.63  8.32 —— 11.64 11.64 OLS, HDPE, MPa (psi)  5.44  5.52  5.57  4.98  6.17  6.05 6.60  5.18  5.90  6.57 (789) (800) (808) (723) (895) (878) (957) (752)(855) (953) OLS, PP, MPa (psi)  6.01  6.06  7.67  5.64  7.84  7.36  7.99 7.99  6.54  7.51 (871) (879) (1,112) (818) (1,137) (1,067) (1,159)(1,159) (949) (1,089)

Examples 31-36

Adhesives were prepared and evaluated as in Example 20, except thatdecomplexer D-1062 was replaced at various stoichiometries with othercarboxylic acid ester decomplexers: A-SA and SA.

TABLE XI Ex. Ex. 31 Ex. 32 Ex. 33 Ex. 34 Ex. 35 36 Weight 24.91 28.6727.34 24.61 22.02 19.36 THFMA, grams Weight  8.30  9.56  9.11  8.20 7.34  6.45 EHMA, grams Weight A-SA,  6.79 — — — — — grams (31.4)(millimol) Weight SA, —  1.77  3.55  7.19 10.64 14.19 grams (7.7) (15.4)(31.3) (46.3) (61.7) (millimol) Equiv. Ratio 1:1 0.25:1 0.5:1 1:1 1.5:12:1 Acid:Total Nitrogen OLS, HDPE,  6.54  3.51  6.68  5.73  5.91  1.36MPa (psi) (949) (510) (969) (831) (858) (197) OLS, PP, MPa 6.90 — — 7.49 — — (psi) (1,001) (1,087)

Examples 37-41

A solution containing 351 grams MMA, 252 grams nBA, and 270 gramspoly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethyl acrylate), commercially available fromAldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee, Wis., under catalog #18224-9, wasdivided, combined with various carboxylic acid ester decomplexers: SA,A-SA, CB-1, XM-300, and D-1062 (31.4 millimol each, providing 1 equiv.acid to equiv. total nitrogen), and evaluated as in Example 20.

TABLE XII Ex. 37 Ex. 38 Ex. 39 Ex. 40 Ex. 41 Weight Bonding 42.81 43.2141.16 34.75 43.27 Composition Weight SA, grams  7.19 — — — — WeightA-SA, grams —  6.79 — — — Weight CB-1, grams — —  8.84 — — WeightXM-300, grams — — — 15.25 — Weight D-1062, grams — — — —  6.73 OLS,HDPE, MPa (psi)  3.27  2.37  5.57  1.66  5.66 (475) (344) (809) (241)(822) OLS, PP, MPa (psi)  3.98  2.98  4.05  3.72  7.00 (578) (432) (588)(540) (1,016)

Examples 42-47

Decomplexer

A carboxylic acid ester was used as the decomplexer. It was prepared asfollows:

Preparation of 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Maleate Decomplexer

First, 260.0 grams (2.0 mol) hydroxyethyl methacrylate, commerciallyavailable from Alcolac; Baltimore, Md., 196.0 grams (2.0 mol) maleicanhydride, commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee,Wis., and 0.16 gram benzyltriethylammonium bromide were combined undernitrogen and heated with stirring to form a clear, colorless solution.The solution was held at 70° C. for 42 hours then allowed to cool atroom temperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25° C.). The product, asdetermined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, contained93 mol % 2-methacryloyloxyethyl maleate.

Initiator component

Three initiator components were used in these Examples: the initiatorcomponent of Example 20 and two additional initiator components thatwere prepared as in Example 20, except at lower TEB-HMDA concentrations.One was prepared at 2.5 weight percent TEB-HMDA in CX-100, the other at10 weight percent TEB-HMDA in CX-100.

Adhesives

Adhesives were prepared using the polymerizable composition of Example20, except that the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl maleate decomplexer was usedat various stoichiometries in place of D-1062.

TABLE XIII Ex. 42 Ex. 43 Ex. 44 Ex. 45 Ex. 46 Ex. 47 Weight THFMA, 27.3227.32 27.32 24.63 24.63 24.63 grams Weight EHMA,  9.10  9.10  9.10  8.21 8.21  8.21 grams Weight 2-  3.58  3.58  3.58  7.16  7.16  7.16methacryloyloxyethyl (15.7) (15.7) (15.7) (31.4) (31.4) (31.4) maleate,grams (millimol) Wt. % TEB-HMDA in CX-100 30 10  2.5 30 10  2.5 Equiv.Ratio 0.5:1 0.5:1 0.5:1 1:1 1:1 1:1 Acid:Total Nitrogen OLS, HDPE, MPa 6.22  5.39  4.10  4.43  3.80  5.26 (psi) (903) (782) (595) (643) (552)(763) OLS, PP, MPa  6.85  6.34  2.00  5.62  6.05  2.60 (psi) (994) (920)(290) (815) (878) (378)

Examples 48-52

A dispersion containing 178.23 grams THFMA, 59.41 grams EHMA, and 65.0grams BLENDEX 360 was prepared as in Example 20, except that thecarboxylic acid ester decomplexer was excluded. This dispersion wasdivided, combined with various carboxylic acid ester decomplexers: SA,A-SA, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl maleate (from Examples 42-47), D-1062, and2-ethylhexyl maleate (15.7 millimol each, providing 0.5 equiv. acid toequiv. total nitrogen) and evaluated as in Example 20.

TABLE XIV Ex. 48 Ex. 49 Ex. 50 Ex. 51 Ex. 52 Weight monomer 46.39 46.6146.42 46.64 46.42 dispersion, grams Weight SA, grams  3.61 — — — —Weight A-SA, grams —  3.39 — — — Weight 2- — —  3.58 — —methacryloyloxyethyl maleate, grams Weight D-1062, grams — — —  3.36 —Weight 2-ethylhexyl — — — —  3.58 maleate, grams OLS, HDPE, MPa (psi) 6.63  5.96  6.22  6.20  1.47 (962) (865) (903) (900) (213) OLS, PP, MPa(psi)  4.93  2.14  6.85  6.29  0.39 (716) (311) (994) (913) (57)

Examples 53-56

Decomplexer

A carboxylic acid ester was used as the decomplexer. It was prepared asfollows:

Preparation of Acryloyloxypropyl Maleate Decomplexer

First, 65.0 grams (0.5 mol) hydroxypropyl acrylate, commerciallyavailable from Aldrich Chemical Co.; Milwaukee, Wis., 49.0 grams (0.5mol) maleic anhydride, and 0.04 gram benzyltriethylammonium bromide werecombined under nitrogen and heated with stirring to form a clear,colorless solution. The solution was held at 70° C. for 17 hours thenallowed to cool at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C. to about 25°C.). The product, as determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonancespectroscopy, contained 86 mol % acryloyloxypropyl maleate.

Initiator Component

First, 5.0 grams (32 milliequivalents amine) TEB-HMDA was dissolved amixture of 45.0 grams (274 milliequivalents aziridine) CX-100 and 50.0grams polyester adipate, commercially available under the tradedesignation PARAPLEX G40 from C.P. Hall; Chicago, Ill.

Polymerizable Composition

First, 16.0 grams ELVACITE 2010 was dissolved in 64 grams THFMA at 70°C. This PMMA solution was divided, combined sequentially with additionalTHFMA, BLENDEX 360, EHMA, and 3.49 grams (15.3 millimol each, providing1 equiv. acid to equiv. total nitrogen) acryloyloxypropyl maleateprepared above, following the general procedure of Example 20.

Adhesives

Adhesives were prepared and evaluated as in Example 20, but using thepolymerizable composition and initiator component above. The amounts ofPMMA solution, monomer, and BLENDEX 360 and the resulting overlap shearvalues are given in Table XV.

TABLE XV Ex. 53 Ex. 54 Ex. 55 Ex. 56 Weight PMMA solution, grams 12.5025.00 12.50 25.00 Weight additional THFMA, grams 17.38 5.51 15.51 3.63Weight EHMA, grams 9.13 8.50 8.50 7.88 Weight BLENDEX 360, grams 7.507.50 10.00 10.00 OLS, HDPE, MPa (psi) 5.15 5.05 5.02 4.56   (748) (733)(729) (662) OLS, PP, MPa (psi) 7.02 4.93 6.74 5.30 (1,019) (716) (978)(770)

Examples 57-63

Decomplexer

In these Examples, a combination of two decomplexers was used: acarboxylic acid ester decomplexer (SA) and an anhydride decomplexer(succinic anhydride).

Initiator Component

To prepare this component, 20.0 grams (128 milliequivalents amine)TEB-HMDA was dissolved in a mixture of 25.0 grams (152 milliequivalentsaziridine) CX-100 and 55.0 grams polyester adipate, commerciallyavailable under the trade designation PARAPLEX G40 from C.P. Hall;Chicago, Ill.

Polymerizable Composition

A dispersion containing 177.10 grams BLENDEX 360 and a solution of 38.50grams ELVACITE 2010, 411.35 grams THFMA, and 137.11 grams EHMA washeated for four hours at 70° C., sheared aggressively with a saw-toothedblade, then gently combined with 38.50 grams Z-LIGHT W-1600. Thismonomer mixture was divided and combined with the carboxylic acid esterdecomplexers at various stoichiometries and various acid to anhydrideratios as tabulated below.

Adhesives

Adhesives were prepared and evaluated as in Example 20, but using theinitiator component and polymerizable composition specified above. Inaddition to testing the compositions for overlap shear, peel bondstrength was determined on UHMW test panels using the Peel Strength TestMethod described above.

TABLE XVI Ex. 57 Ex. 58 Ex. 59 Ex. 60 Ex. 61 Ex. 62 Ex. 63 Weightmonomer 49.40 49.05 48.81 48.34 47.63 49.06 49.22 mixture, grams WeightSA, grams  0.54  0.85  1.07  1.49  2.13  0.75  0.55 (millimol) (2.3)(3.7) (4.7) (6.5) (9.3) (3.3) (2.4) Weight anhydride  0.06  0.10  0.12 0.17  0.24  0.20  0.23 decomplexer, (1.2) (2.0) (2.4) (3.4) (4.8) (4.0)(4.6) grams (milliequiv) Equiv. Ratio 0.25:1 0.4:1 0.5:1 0.7:1  1:10.5:1 0.5:1 (Acid + Anhydride): Total Nitrogen Weight Ratio   90:10 90:10  90:10  90:10 90:10  80:20  70:30 Acid:Anhydride OLS, HDPE, MPa 1.65  5.34  5.40  5.37  5.44  5.37  5.36 (psi) (152) (775) (784) (780)(789) (780) (778) OLS, PP, MPa (0) (771) (933) (986) (879) (1,162)(1,064) (psi)  0  5.31  6.43  6.79  6.06  8.01  7.33 Peel, UHMW,  0.35 9.0  7.9  6.2 —  6.0  5.6 N/cm (piw) (0.2) (5.1) (4.5) (3.5) (3.4)(3.2)

Example 64

Decomplexer

In this Example, a combination of two decomplexers was used: acarboxylic acid ester decomplexer (2-methacryloyloxyethyl succinate) andan anhydride decomplexer (succinic anhydride).

Initiator Component

The initiator component of Examples 57-63 was used for this Example.

Polymerizable Composition

A dispersion containing 12.50 grams BLENDEX 360, 25.36 grams THFMA, 8.45grams EHMA, 1.07 grams (4.7 millimol), 2-methacryloyloxyethyl succinateand 0.12 grams (2.4 milliequivalents) succinic anhydride was heated forfour hours at 70° C., sheared aggressively with a saw-toothed blade,then gently combined with 2.50 grams Z-LIGHT W-1600.

Adhesives

Adhesives were prepared and evaluated as in Example 20, except using theabove initiator component and polymerizable composition.

TABLE XVII OLS, HDPE, MPa (psi) 5.37 (780) OLS, PP, MPa (psi) 6.46 (937)Peel, UHMW, N/cm (piw) 9.50 (5.4)

Examples 65-78

Decomplexer

In these Examples, a combination of two decomplexers was used: acarboxylic acid ester decomplexer and an anhydride decomplexer (succinicanhydride).

Initiator Component

In all Examples, the initiator component contained by weight, 16%TEB-HMDA, 65% trifunctional, unsubstituted aziridine available under thetrade designation XAMA-2 from EIT Inc.; Lake Wylie, S.C., 3% treated,fumed silica available under the trade designation CAB-O-SIL TS-720 fromCabot Corporation; Tuscola, Ill., and 16% surface-treated, floated glassbubbles available under the trade designation SCOTCHLITE A16/500 fromMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company; St. Paul, Minn. The TEB-HMDAwas dissolved in the XAMA-2. Then the CAB-O-SIL TS-720 was stirred in byhand followed by addition of the SCOTCHLITE A16/500 glass bubbles. Noattempt was made to remove any entrapped air.

Polymerizable Composition

A slurry was prepared from 50 grams of a premix and 0.505 gram Z-LIGHTW-1600 ceramic microspheres (commercially available from ZeelanIndustries Inc.; St. Paul, Minn.). The premix contained 37.5%N,N-dimethylacrylamide (commercially available from Aldrich ChemicalCo.; Milwaukee, Wis.), 37.5% ethoxyethyl methacrylate (commerciallyavailable from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wis.), and 25% BLENDEX360 core-shell toughener (commercially available from GE SpecialtyChemicals; Parkersburg, W. Va.), based on total weight of the premix. A50 gram batch was prepared in a 237 cubic centimeter (8 ounce) glass jarcontaining 15 steel mixing balls, each of 0.5 inch diameter. After aninitial hand mix, the jar was placed on a roll mill for at least 16hours until the BLENDEX 360 was completely dispersed. The Z-LIGHT W-1600ceramic microspheres were then added, stirred by hand, and roll mixingwas resumed for at least another 16 hours.

The resulting slurry contained 37.13% N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 37.13%ethoxyethyl methacrylate, 24.74% BLENDEX 360, and 1.00% Z-LIGHT W-1600ceramic microspheres. The slurry was added to a 4-dram glass mixing vialcontaining the decomplexers. The contents were then thoroughly mixed byhand to provide the polymerizable composition.

The proportion of each substituent in the polymerizable composition ispresented in Table XIX, where values are reported in weight %, based ontotal weight of the bonding composition from which the adhesive isprepared.

TABLE XIX Carboxylic Z- Dimethyl Acid Weight LIGHT AcrylamideEthoxyethyl BLENDEX Succinic Decomplexer % of W- Ex. (DMAc) methacrylate360 Anhydride (A) (A) 1600 65 36.83 36.83 24.55 0.3214 Acrylic 0.4790.9918 66 36.79 36.79 24.53 0.3214 Methacrylic 0.573 0.9908 67 36.5436.54 24.37 0.3219 Undecanoic 1.239 0.9843 68 36.48 36.48 24.32 0.3206D-1062 1.421 0.9825 69 36.47 36.47 24.31 0.3206 A-SA 1.454 0.9823 7036.44 36.44 24.29 0.3205 SA 1.540 0.9812 71 36.39 36.39 24.26 0.3206AS-M4 1.659 0.9800 72 36.31 36.31 24.20 0.3203 CB-1 1.891 0.9778 7336.19 36.19 24.13 0.3204 AS-CL1 2.197 0.9747 74 36.12 36.12 24.08 0.3204S-CL1 2.395 0.9728 75 36.21 36.21 24.14 0.3203 FM1A 2.149 0.9752 7635.91 35.91 23.94 0.3200 AS-CL2 2.956 0.9671 77 35.91 35.91 23.94 0.3202S-CL2 2.951 0.9673 78 35.80 35.80 23.87 0.3199 XM-300 3.259 0.9642

Adhesives

The polymerizable composition was hand-mixed with the initiatorcomponent in a 4-dram vial. Each test sample contained approximately4.873 grams polymerizable composition and 0.277 gram initiatorcomponent. Specific amounts of each component are given in Table XX.

TABLE XX Wt. Initiator Wt. Polymerizable Composition Component Ex.(grams) (grams) 65 4.861 0.277 66 4.860 0.277 67 4.854 0.277 68 4.8730.277 69 4.873 0.277 70 4.873 0.277 71 4.872 0.277 72 4.877 0.277 734.876 0.277 74 4.876 0.277 75 4.876 0.277 76 4.881 0.277 77 4.879 0.27778 4.884 0.277

Each sample was mixed for one minute and then applied in sequence toUHMW peel adherends, HDPE peel adherends, and HDPE overlap shearadherends. Upon completion of the 24-hour cure cycle, bond strength andsolvent resistance were determined.

TABLE XXI Solvent Bond Strength Resistance UHMW PE HDPE % T-Peel T-PeelOverlap Shear Insoluble Ex. piw N/cm piw N/cm psi MPa Solids 65 29 51.045 79.2 846 5.83 66 66 23 40.5 44 77.4 967 6.66 67 67 29 51.0 44 77.4818 5.64 19 68 24 42.2 39 68.6 923 6.36 79 69 27 47.5 51(T) 89.8(T)1,008 6.95 75 70 24 42.2 38 66.9 999 6.88 66 71 25 44.0 44 77.4 985 6.7974 72 22 38.7 42 73.9 961 6.62 78 73 27 47.5 48(T) 84.5(T) 825 5.68 7974 26 46.8 48 84.5 825 5.68 71 75 26 46.8 50 88.0 814 5.61 68 76 28 49.351 89.8 836 5.76 79 77 27 47.5 46 81.0 810 5.58 65 78 24 42.2 38 66.9679 4.68 75 (T) = Adherend tore

Various modifications and alterations of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention. It should be understood that this inventionis not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of initiating polymerization,comprising: providing a complexed initiator; and reacting a decomplexerwith the complexed initiator, the decomplexer having a structurerepresented by (I):

wherein: R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, amonovalent organic group, and a multivalent organic group; R² is amultivalent organic group; R³ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen and a monovalent organic group; m is an integer of 0-2; and nis an integer greater than or equal to one.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the decomplexer is a dicarboxylic acid decomplexer.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the decomplexer is a carboxylic acid esterdecomplexer.
 4. An initiator system capable of initiatingpolymerization, comprising: a complexed initiator; a carboxylic aciddecomplexer of claim 1; and a second decomplexer.
 5. The initiatorsystem of claim 4, wherein the second decomplexer comprises an anhydridedecomplexer.
 6. The initiator system of claim 5, wherein the seconddecomplexer is selected from the group consisting of methacrylicanhydride, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and glutaric anhydride.7. An initiator system of claim 1, wherein the complexed initiator is anorganoborane amine complex.
 8. A kit comprising: a polymerizablecomposition, wherein the polymerizable composition comprises: at leastone polymerizable monomer, and a first decomplexer, comprising acarboxylic acid decomplexer having a structure represented by (I):

wherein: R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, amonovalent organic group, and a multivalent organic group; R² is amultivalent organic group; R³ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen and a monovalent organic group; m is an integer of 0-2; n is aninteger greater than or equal to one; a second decomplexer; and aninitiator component, wherein the initiator component comprises: acomplexed initiator, and an optional diluent.
 9. The kit according toclaim 8, wherein the second decomplexer comprises an anhydridedecomplexer.
 10. The kit according to claim 8, wherein the seconddecomplexer is selected from the group consisting of methacrylicanhydride, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and glutaric anhydride.11. The kit according to claim 8, further comprising a multi-partdispenser.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the complexed initiator andthe decomplexer react in the presence of at least one polymerizablemonomer in order to form a polymerized composition.